Regulations in respect of baggage [Section 81] :
Since the provisions in respect of baggage are a complete code by themselves, it is desirable to supplement detailed procedures wherever necessary with the rule making powers. Section 81 therefore provides that the Board may make regulations in the following matters:
(a) providing for the manner of declaring the contents of any baggage;
(b) providing for the custody, examination, assessment to duty and clearance of baggage;
(c) providing for transit or transhipment of baggage from one customs station to another or to a place outside India.
Baggage declaration form: In exercise of these powers, the form of the baggage declaration has been prescribed and standardized. Transit or transhipment of baggage from one customs station to another becomes a necessity for convenient clearance of unaccompanied baggage. Baggage (Transit to Customs Stations) Regulations: The Central Board of Excise & Customs has made the regulations for the transit of unaccompanied baggage from the customs station of arrival at Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad or Cochin to any other of the aforesaid customs stations.
Conditions: Where the unaccompanied baggage of any passenger arrives at the customs station at Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad or Cochin and the passenger desires that the said baggage may be cleared at any of the aforesaid cust oms stations, other than the customs station at which the baggage has arrived, then on a request made in this behalf by the passenger, such baggage may be permitted to be transported to the customs station at which the passenger desires the same to be cleared, by air or by passenger train or trucks, if-
(a) all arrangements are made by the passenger or his agent for the transport of such baggage from the customs station of arrival to the customs station at which he desires to have the baggage cleared for its booking to that station , and for its transport to the custom house in the place at which the station is located,
(b) the baggage remains under the supervision of an officer of customs, deputed for the purpose, except when it is under the custody of the airline or railway authorities, and the passenger pays for the services of the officer so deputed; and
(c) in case of goods to be transported by rail such of the goods as can be insured with the railways are so insured.
(d) in the case of goods to be transported by trucks, the carrier shall be responsible for carriage of goods to destination Customs in containerised truck after sealing of the same by one time bottle seal by Customs and on execution of bond and security to the satisfaction of the Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs at the originating Airport / Air-Cargo Complex.
However the Principal Commissioner/Commissioner may at his discretion, allow the unaccompanied baggage to be transported to the customs station at which the passenger wants to have the same cleared by goods train if the goods are insured and the passenger or his agents satisfy the proper officer that the goods are not permitted to be transported in passenger train having regard to the size and weight or that the transport by passenger train would cause undue financial strain on him. The Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs shall, whenever Quick Transit Service is available, allow the transport of goods only through that Service.